Home › Indiana University-Indianapolis › Design Engineering Technologies

Design Engineering Technologies at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,798/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $531K $528K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.6x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,824
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's Design Engineering Technologies graduates start at $36,798/yr, trailing the $56,836 national average by 35%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 12.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$36,798 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 9 programs offering Design Engineering Technologies nationally, this is a niche field. Indiana University-Indianapolis ranks #8 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $36,798 to $52,824 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

A 81% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Indianapolis is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 16,582 in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 9 schools offering Design Engineering Technologies →

Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Trine University ($65,013) Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses ($65,013) Central Michigan University ($63,862) University of Central Missouri ($60,774) Western Michigan University ($60,153) Pennsylvania College of Technology ($57,854) Murray State University ($53,085) Academy of Art University ($48,978)

Other Majors at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($73,122) Computer Engineering ($71,986) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($71,852) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($71,505) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($70,887) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($70,833) Mechanical Engineering ($69,746) Engineering, Other ($69,685)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Design Engineering Technologies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Indiana University-Indianapolis's Design Engineering Technologies program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Design Engineering Technologies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design Engineering Technologies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design Engineering Technologies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Design Engineering Technologies earnings lower at Indiana University-Indianapolis?
Lower starting pay at Indiana University-Indianapolis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →